Terri A. Sewell

Maternal Vaccination Act

in committee

Maternal Vaccination Act

in committee

To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to modify provisions relating to rural decentralized water systems grants.

in committee

“Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr., who, at the Fifty-Second Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio, was elected and consecrated as the 144th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and now serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, which includes the State of Alabama. A fourth-generation preacher and lifelong churchman, Bishop McAllister answered the call of the ministry in 1992, shortly before his graduation from South Carolina State University, where he received his baccalaureate degree in criminal justice. He later continued his educational journey at Turner Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree, and Chicago Theological Seminary, where he earned his Doctor in Ministry. The son of Supervisor Joan McAllister, Bishop McAllister holds a unique place in AME history. He and his father, Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., stand as the only father and son to serve concurrently in active episcopal ministry since the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1787 and its incorporation in 1816, marking a moment of profound generational legacy in the life of the Church. A dedicated servant of God, Bishop McAllister has devoted 32 years to pastoral ministry, 16 of which were spent at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where he led a ministry of strong spiritual formation, stewardship, and impact. During his 16-year pastorate, Bishop McAllister received 1,300 new members into the church, strengthened Christian stewardship with a strong emphasis on tithing, and guided the congregation in raising two million dollars annually in tithes and offerings. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of 85 single-family homes at a cost of fifteen million dollars, helped more than 1,000 men and women overcome drug and alcohol addiction through the Christ-centered ``A Life Recovery Center,'' and developed a ten- acre church campsite. Bishop McAllister also served as pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois, where he launched the Come Home for Christmas Ministry, serving over 5,000 homeless men and women and providing more than 2,000 children with a clothing shopping spree at Target or Sears at a cost of $750,000 to support needy families during the Christmas season. As the President Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, Bishop McAllister leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to shepherding God's people. His pastorate is distinguished by a shepherd's heart; being present with his members, ministering to them through life's joys and sorrows, and building ministries that nurture spiritual growth, Christian stewardship, community outreach, and holistic support for families. On a personal note, as a daughter of Selma, Alabama, and lifelong member of the historic Brown Chapel AME Church, I know that it was within the sacred walls of the Black Church that our foremothers and forefathers organized and strategized for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. As the President Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop McAllister has carried forward that proud legacy in the ongoing pursuit of justice. That is why I am proud to recognize his faithful leadership, ministry, and service as we commemorate the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr., as the President Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. ____________________”

2026-03-05 · Civil Rights

“Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Ms. Jo Ann Bland, who passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 72. Jo Ann was born on July 29, 1953, in Selma, Alabama, to the late Alfred Charles Blackmon and Ludie Wright Blackmon. True to her Selma roots, Jo Ann dedicated her life to the struggle for civil rights and voting rights. As an active member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she joined The Movement at a remarkably young age, and at just 11 years old, she was one of the youngest participants in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. Despite the violence she witnessed on Bloody Sunday, her courage did not end on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. By the time she reached her early teens, Jo Ann had been arrested at least 13 times for participating in civil rights demonstrations, guided by her fearless and unwavering resolve for justice. That same resolve extended into the classroom where Jo Ann, alongside six other courageous students, integrated Selma's A.G. Parrish High School, opening doors of opportunity for countless children to follow in her footsteps. After graduating, she attended the College of Staten Island in New York and proudly served in the United States Army. After being discharged from the Army, Jo Ann returned to Alabama, where she sought to educate others on Selma's role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1989, she co-founded the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, and in 2007, she founded Journeys for the Soul, a tour agency dedicated to teaching visitors from around the world the true history of the Civil Rights Movement in Selma. In 2001, alongside Kimberly Smitherman, Jo Ann began purchasing parcels of land adjacent to the site where civil rights and voting rights activists gathered on Bloody Sunday. Through their combined efforts, the land was developed into Foot Soldiers Park, which stands as a memorial to the countless everyday people who marched, bled, and even died in pursuit of civil and voting rights for all, ensuring that their legacy would continue to inspire future generations. Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Charles Blackman and Ludie Wright Blackmon; her grandmother, Sylvia Johnson; her sisters, Jackie Maxey and Lynda Lowery; and her brother, Al Blackmon. She is survived by her son, Antonio Bowie, Sr.; her granddaughter, Jasmyn Bowie; her grandsons, Antonio Bowie, Jr., Samuel Bowie, and Jordan Bowie; her surviving sisters, Sadie Moss, Mary Myles, and Mary Hudson; her special sister, Frances Bowie; her special daughter, Kimberly Smitherman; her special son, Demetrius Callens; her special granddaughters, Ja'kira Simmons and Charmekia Moore; her special nephew, Tony Blackmon; her special grandchildren, James Henderson and Samuel Flagg; her special great-grandchild, Jaxston Boyd; her goddaughter, Randy (Renee) Garrett; her god-granddaughters, Riley, Raven, and Ruby Garnett; her god great-granddaughter, Ziporah Rene' Stroud; her sister-in-law, Beverly Blackmon; her special friends, Queen Ramsey and Tracy Arnold; the dedicated staff and volunteers of Foot Soldiers Park, who became family and carried her vision alongside her; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends. On a personal note, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by Jo Ann Bland in the name of equality and justice. I know that I get to walk the halls of Congress as Alabama's first Black congresswoman because of her courage, resilience, and dedication. Her life is a testament to the power of ordinary Americans to achieve extraordinary social change, and her contributions to the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Movements serve as an inspiration for future generations. In 2024, it was a privilege to bring Jo Ann as my special guest to President Biden's State of the Union Address, and upon her passing, I was honored to pay tribute to her on the floor of the House of Representatives. I will miss her wisdom and friendship. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Ms. Jo Ann Bland for her contributions to the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Movements and her decades of exemplary service to our nation in our fight for liberty, equality, and justice for all. May she Rest in Power. [[Page E185]] ____________________”

2026-03-04 · Civil Rights

“Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifelong public servant and Alabama native, Commissioner Rhondel B. Rhone, who celebrated his 70th Birthday on January 31, 2026. In 1992, motivated by the pursuit of justice and a deep, abiding love for the people of his community, Commissioner Rhone sought public office with a clear purpose: to serve and uplift the people of Clarke County. Through his immense talents, vision, and work ethic, he was elected to represent District 5 on the Clark County Commission, a role he has carried out with distinction and dedication. From the outset of his tenure, Commissioner Rhone established himself as a steady and principled leader, earning widespread respect for his integrity, sound judgment, and deep commitment to community development. A dedicated advocate for economic development and empowering underserved communities, Commissioner Rhone has fought tirelessly to ensure that all residents of Clarke County have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. In pursuit of his mission, he became extensively involved [[Page E88]] with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA). Within ACCA, Commissioner Rhone held numerous executive leadership positions, including 2nd Vice President in 2004, Vice President in 2005, and President in 2006. He also served multiple terms on the ACCA Board of Directors, the ACCA Legislative Committee, and the Workers' Compensation Board, where his leadership and insight helped shape polices that impacted countless lives across Alabama. A true public servant and pillar of the Clarke County Community, Commissioner Rhone has played a key role in numerous regional and community organizations in addition to his work on the Clarke County Commission. Throughout his tenure, he served as Past Chairman and Board Member of the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Board and was an active member of the Ala-Tom Resource Conservation and Development Council, where he served as Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Southwest Alabama Community Action Agency, where he further demonstrated his commitment to economic development and support for underserved communities. On a personal note, I am blessed to be close friends with Commissioner Rhone and his family. As we celebrate Commissioner Rhone on his 70th birthday, we also celebrate his legacy, which is defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to others. His decades of work have strengthened communities, expanded opportunities, and inspired those who have had the privilege of working alongside him. Commissioner Rhone's impact reaches far beyond titles and offices--it is reflected in the countless lives he has touched. On this special occasion, may we honor not only another year of life but a lifetime of meaningful contributions. I congratulate him on a life well led and happy 70th birthday. Here's to many more years. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 70th birthday of an exceptional public servant, Commissioner Rhondel B. Rhone, for his service to Clarke County and the State of Alabama. ____________________”

2026-02-02 · Government Reform